Crews take advantage of warmer January Weather to work at the Inclusive Park on Carroll Street in Wabash. Photo by Joseph Slacian. 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

If 2018 could have a name in the City of Wabash, it might be “The Year of Construction.”

Numerous construction projects took place around the city, and many of them will continue into 2019.

Many of the projects were in conjunction with the city’s Stellar Community Grant designation. In 2014, the city, as well as the City of Huntingburg, received the designation through the program which is a collaboration between the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, the Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the state’s Department of Transportation.

Though it was originally thought that the projects to be partially funded through state and federal grants had to be completed by the end of 2018, Mayor Scott Long later learned that the city, indeed, could continue the work into 2019.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

A Columbia City woman was sentenced to 60 years in prison for the May 2017 murder of her ex-husband in North Manchester.

The woman, Tiffany Chapman-Lane, 34, also received 40 years for the shooting of a North Manchester woman at the same time.

Chapman-Lane had been charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery and carrying a handgun without a license. After initially pleading not guilty, she changed her plea and, in a plea agreement, agreed to plead guilty to the murder and attempted murder charges.

Wabash Circuit Court Judge Robert McCallen III accepted the pleas and imposed the sentence on Monday afternoon, Jan. 7. The sentences will be served concurrently.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

A Wabash couple was given 90 days to demolish their home and clean up the property.

The couple, Donnie and Peggy Fraley, told the Wabash Board of Public Works and Safety on Thursday, Jan. 3, that they have already started the process of razing the home.

The couple’s property, at 319 Euclid St., was the subject of a Board of Works meeting on Aug. 3, 2017. At that time, the board declared the structure hazardous. However, it opted to wait to see if the couple would qualify for help under the Owner Occupied Rehabilitation project that was part of the Stellar Community program.

The home failed to qualify for the program, hence the board’s action on Thursday.
 

By Joseph Slacian

jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

Officers for the Wabash City Schools board and the district’s Board of Finance were elected in separate meetings on Thursday, Jan. 3.

Tony Pulley was re-elected as president of both boards, while Tiffanie King was elected as vice president and Rod Kelsheimer was elected secretary.

The board, during its regular meeting, also voted to keep its meeting times at 6 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month, except on those weeks when a federal holiday falls on the same day. If that happens, the meeting will either be moved to Tuesday night or it will be canceled.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

They rhythmic tapping of wooden mallets against metal stamps filled the Honeywell Center’s Legacy Hall on Thursday morning.

More than 100 youngsters turned out to learn how to make decorative leather bracelets. The workshop, conducted by local artist Candie Cooper, was part of the Center’s annual Winter Bash.

The two-day event art workshops by Cooper, free roller skating, an art project at the Charley Creek Gardens, free movies and a free tour of the Dr. James Ford Historic Home.
 

By Josh Sigler
jsigler@thepaperofwabash.com

The Wabash County Commissioners met for the first time in 2017 Monday, Jan. 7, with new commissioner Jeff Dawes taking in the experience.

Dawes previously served on the County Council.

“I’m sure there’s going to be a learning curve there, but I’m pretty happy with my two cohorts (Barry Eppley and Brian Haupert), that they’re going to bring me along and keep me updated on what I need to do and what’s going on.”
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is urging Hoosier lawmakers to consider increasing the state’s cigarette tax by $2 per pack.

In addition, they also are encouraging lawmakers to consider increasing the legal smoking age to 21.

Chamber officials announced the plan last week in a press release, in light of the state’s tight budget expectations for the next two years. The money, they believe, should go where the state has the greatest needs.

Contacted by The Paper of Wabash County, Dan Gray, Wabash County Tobacco Free Coalition executive director, said he was aware of the movement.
 

By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

The Wabash City Council will have a new make-up beginning in 2020. At least two Council members have told The Paper of Wabash County that they won’t seek re-election during the 2019 Municipal Election.

Mayor Scott Long, along with Council members Bryan Dillon, Doug Adams and Mitch Figert have all confirmed they will seek re-election in 2019. Clerk-Treasurer Wendy Frazier also said she plans to seek re-election to her third term in office.